27/04/2008 17:13

Melbourne - France flyhalf Frederic Michalak could be out of action for six months after tearing a ligament in his left knee during a Super 14 match in Sydney on Saturday.

Michalak, who has played 50 Tests for France, hyper-extended his knee nine minutes into the Sharks' 25-10 loss to the Waratahs.

The 25-year-old's contract with the South African side was scheduled to end in June, but coach Dick Muir said it appeared the former Toulouse player had ruptured the anterior-cruciate ligament in his knee and could be ruled out for six months.

"He was going to stick around to play Currie Cup before returning for the French end-of-the-year tour, if he was selected," Muir told Australian Associated Press.

"He's grown to be one of us and he's really enjoyed it at the Sharks, and we've enjoyed having him and he's added a lot of value to our squad.

"So it will be very sad to see if it is the end of the road for him."

The third-placed Sharks are due to play the competition leading Canterbury Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.